In the heart of Quebec’s Estrie region, where rolling hills meet crisp winters, one company has turned ice into a hot commodity. Estrie Glace, based in Magog, isn’t just keeping drinks cold—they’re a major supplier shaping daily life and big projects across Estrie and Montérégie. From convenience store coolers to massive construction sites, this family-run business has spent over two decades proving that ice is more than just frozen water—it’s a vital resource. Let’s chill out and explore what makes Estrie Glace a standout in the region.
A Frozen Legacy Begins
Estrie Glace’s story started over 25 years ago, rooted in the Eastern Townships’ knack for turning natural assets into something practical. While the exact founding date is a bit hazy (think of it like ice fog clearing over Lake Memphrémagog), the company has been a steady presence since the late 1990s or early 2000s. What began as a modest operation has grown into one of eastern Canada’s biggest ice producers, thanks to a mix of grit, innovation, and a commitment to quality.
By 2014, Estrie Glace hit a milestone: a shiny new factory on Magog’s Boulevard Industriel. With a $1.5 million investment in 2019, they tripled their production capacity to 150 tons of ice per day—enough to fill a small hockey rink. This upgrade didn’t just boost output; it doubled their workforce and cemented their reputation as a regional heavyweight. Today, their freezer can hold up to a million kilograms of ice, ready to roll out at a moment’s notice.
Ice for Every Occasion
Estrie Glace isn’t your average ice vendor. They produce food-grade ice—cubes, blocks, and bulk—that’s pure enough to sip or preserve perishables. Their water is filtered four times on-site and tested regularly by independent labs, meeting the strict standards of the International Packaged Ice Association (I.P.I.A.). Whether it’s cubes clinking in your lemonade at a Montérégie campground or blocks keeping fish fresh at a Sherbrooke grocery, Estrie Glace delivers—literally. Their refrigerated trucks hum across Estrie and Montérégie seven days a week, stocking convenience stores, bars, and marinas.
But their reach goes beyond refreshment. Estrie Glace is a secret weapon in construction, supplying bulk ice (18 kg and up) to concrete plants. Cooling concrete with ice during the curing process—especially in summer heat—prevents cracks and boosts strength, a trick used in everything from Estrie’s bridges to Montérégie’s wind turbine bases. It’s a nod to old-school ingenuity, modernized for today’s megaprojects. And if that’s not eclectic enough, they even distribute fish bait—talk about a cool side hustle!
A Family Affair with Big Impact
At the helm are Samuel Bernard, the general manager and majority owner, and his father, François. Together, they’ve built Estrie Glace into a business that’s as much about community as it is about commerce. Samuel once told Le Reflet du Lac they considered expanding to the U.S., but chose to keep operations local, growing their market into nearby provinces and south of the border instead. It’s a strategic choice that keeps jobs and pride rooted in Magog.
Their ice doesn’t just serve customers—it reflects their values. “We filter the water four times. The ice goes everywhere,” Samuel has said, highlighting their obsession with purity. That dedication pays off: Estrie Glace earns perfect marks for food safety, and their product’s versatility—from concrete to coolers—sets them apart. During heatwaves, when demand spikes, they shift into high gear, ensuring no one’s left out in the cold (or the heat).
Beyond the Bags
Estrie Glace isn’t all business—they’ve got heart, too. In the past, they’ve rallied the community for events like the Ice Bucket Challenge to support the ALS Society of Quebec, showing they’re willing to pour their resources into good causes. Their presence in Estrie and Montérégie isn’t just economic; it’s cultural. In a region shaped by ice—think of the 1998 Ice Storm or winter fishing on Lake Massawippi—Estrie Glace fits right in, bridging tradition with modern needs.
The Future Stays Frosty
With climate change tweaking Quebec’s seasons, Estrie Glace is poised to adapt. Hotter summers mean more demand for ice, whether it’s cooling concrete or chilling drinks at a Granby barbecue. Their industrial-scale operation, paired with a small-town ethos, makes them a rare breed—a company that’s both a local gem and a regional titan. As Samuel puts it, they pay for every drop of water they use, a reminder of their responsibility to the environment that sustains them.
Next time you grab a bag of ice at a dépanneur or drive over a sturdy Estrie bridge, think of Estrie Glace. They’re not just freezing water—they’re fueling a region, one icy delivery at a time. In Estrie and Montérégie, where ice has always mattered, this Magog outfit is keeping the legacy cool.
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